Exploring Old Towne Orange: A Delightful Day Trip in California

The City of Orange, Old Towne District, in Orange County, California, is a unique and charming destination for a relaxed weekend day trip. Old Towne Orange, with its cozy sidewalk restaurants, jewelry stores, and lovely antique stores, offers a distinct charm that is hard to resist. Most of the antique stores and eateries are near the traffic roundabout at Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street. Listed as a National Registered Historic District, this area of Orange County is considered one of the best walking districts in all of Southern California. Here are some interesting places to check or do when visiting:

Old Town Central Plaza Fountain

The central Plaza features a 1937 old-fashioned tiled water fountain surrounded by a beautiful park with benches. This fountain is not the original plaza fountain. The original fountain was installed in 1887 and was a metal fountain that was erected in 1887 and stood there for 50 years. The original plaza fountain can be viewed at the Orange Public Library & History Center at 407 E. Chapman Ave, a short walk from its original location at Orange Circle. Old Towne Central Plaza is perfect for sitting, relaxing, and viewing this quaint little town. https://www.orangepubliclibrary.org/local-history/contact-or-visit

Old Towne Antique Stores

Old Towne Orange is famous for its antique stores. If you’re into vintage finds, you could spend hours browsing through shops like The Orange Circle Antique Mall, which features a large space with multiple vendors, and Country Road Antiques, a shop filled with unique treasures, furniture, and vintage clothing. Also in the area are Muff’s Antiques, Timeless Vintage, MMD Antiques, and the It’s About Time Antiques Market.

Dining Options: Restaurants, Cafes, Ice Cream, and Coffee Shops

• The one square mile encircling the Central Plaza has nearly forty dining options. Here are some options for a bite to eat while on a day trip to Old Towne Orange:
  Filling Station Restaurant Orange: The converted gas station at 201 N Glassell St. Filling station serves breakfast and lunch. Daily from 7:00 AM, There is indoor and outdoor seating, and guests rave about the large portions, flavorful food, diverse menu selections, and excellent service. 201 N Glassell St Orange, California. https://fillingstationcafe.com/
• Bruxie Old Towne Orange: Bruxie Old Towne Orange is at 292 N Glassell St, Orange. They are known for their delicious waffle sandwiches, waffle fries, and various items that can be served on or in a waffle. Bruxie is famous for “The Original Chicken and Waffle Sandwich,” among other sandwiches and desserts. This eatery is particularly popular among college students, as it is conveniently located just down the street from Chapman University. https://www.bruxie.com/location/bruxie-orange/
• Rutabegorz in Orange: Rutabegorz is located in a 100-year-old home that is said to be haunted. Rutabegorz serves fresh, house-made dishes, including salads with homemade dressings, low-fat condiments, and vegetarian options. The menu also features a selection of non-vegetarian dishes. 264 N. Glassell Street, Orange, California. https://orange.rutabegorz.com/

Events at the Orange Circle

Old Towne Orange hosts various events throughout the year. One of the highlights is The Orange International Street Fair, which takes place over Labor Day weekend. This event features food, music, and crafts from around the world. There’s Treats in the Streets in October, a family Halloween event. Additionally, a Farmers & Artisans Market is held every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM at 303 West Palm Avenue, Orange, CA, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and local crafts.

Old Towne Orange Walking Tours

In the vibrant business district, you can find old-fashioned residential neighborhoods with one of the largest concentrations of pre-1940 homes in Southern California. These neighborhoods are filled with small, charming bungalows and pretty cottage gardens. The Orange Public Library and History Center offers a history walk around the 120-year-old neighborhood. The Old Towne Preservation Association also organizes yearly home tours and an annual Holiday Home Decoration Contest.

Getting to Old Towne Orange

A day trip to Old Towne Orange is like stepping back into a long-gone era and is the perfect blend of old and new. Both Amtrak and Metrolink trains stop at the Orange train station. Old Towne Orange is an easy three-block walk from the station. Old Town Orange Central Plaza is at W Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street. There is plenty of free and paid parking.

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